La lutte biologique contre les adventices des cultures, est-ce possible?

Authors: SFORZA, RENE - European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL)

Submitted to: Prosp&ctives
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/31/2019
Publication Date: 11/1/2019
Citation: Sforza, R. 2019. La lutte biologique contre les adventices des cultures, est-ce possible? Réussir Fruits et Légumes - Prosp&ctives. 399(1):66-70.

Interpretive Summary: Solutions for problems in American agriculture, such as invasive weeds, are often found outside of the United States. Weeds in cropping systems are a big issue in global agriculture, particularly in European agriculture, including that of France. With the mandated decrease in the use of chemicals for regulating weeds with the European Union, due to new European regulations, strategies must be put in place for proposing to farmers new avenues to control weeds. This article draws upon state of the art weed biocontrol in the modern world. This includes biological control (BC) against environmental and crop weeds by the use of either plant pathogens (Bacteria, fungi, viruses) or arthropods (Insects, Acari), as BC agents. Case studies on ragweed, tree of heaven, and other common alien noxious weeds are presented, with main issues and expected successes. The final purpose of the present outreach article will be to raise public awareness on how and why BC of weeds is a safe way to sustainably protect crops, the environment, and humans.

Technical Abstract: Solutions for problems in American agriculture, such as invasive weeds, are often found outside of the United States. Weeds in cropping systems are a big issue in global agriculture, particularly in European agriculture, including that of France. With the mandated decrease in the use of chemicals for regulating weeds with the European Union, due to new European regulations, strategies must be put in place for proposing to farmers new avenues to control weeds. This article draws upon state of the art weed biocontrol in the modern world. This includes biological control (BC) against environmental and crop weeds by the use of either plant pathogens (Bacteria, fungi, viruses) or arthropods (Insects, Acari), as BC agents. Case studies on ragweed, tree of heaven, and other common alien noxious weeds are presented, with main issues and expected successes. The final purpose of the present outreach article will be to raise public awareness on how and why BC of weeds is a safe way to sustainably protect crops, the environment, and humans.